Ivy: Her world was turned upside down
“I had never heard of this service before, RSPCA ACT was amazing. I was able to recover in the hospital knowing she was taken good care of. I would not have accepted any treatment for myself if I didn’t know that I would have her when I got back home.” - Ivy’s owner.
Ivy’s owner was admitted to hospital for medical complications that would take quite some time to treat.
Ivy was matched with amazing foster carers – staff and volunteers –and they gave her the calm, caring environment she needed.
We know that pets and owners miss each other terribly. We arranged for Ivy to visit her owner while they were recuperating in hospital, easily the highlight of their week and one that gave our own staff and volunteers immense joy.
Additionally, during Ivy’s stay she was desexed and had her vaccinations, something her owner had previously struggled to afford.
After 95 days in hospital, Ivy’s owner was well enough to go home and be reunited with Ivy who was healthy, happy and over the moon to see them.
Lucy – She became Queen of the Vet Clinic.
“Having the opportunity to foster Lucy was very rewarding. To be able to offer a temporary home providing owners with respite and peace of mind that their pets are being lovingly cared for is such a privilege. I know Lucy certainly appreciated having a quiet calm space to call her own...she was able to relax, get lots of beauty sleep and all the yummy treats.” – Lucy’s foster carer.
Lucy’s owner was experiencing homelessness after fleeing from domestic violence and when they found refuge, was devasted to learn that pets were not allowed.
Poor Lucy was an older girl, and very stressed. She became sick with a nasty strain of cat flu. Due to her age and severity of her flu, we had grave concerns about her health. Without hesitation we admitted Lucy into intensive care.
Our vet team even took her to Canberra’s emergency vet clinic for overnight care where she could be monitored around the clock.
Lucy stayed on site in our vet clinic for several weeks where she grew stronger and more confident. Our vet team began referring to Lucy as “The Queen of the vet clinic,” as she made herself comfortable.
As her condition improved, it was time to match Lucy with a wonderful foster carer. Lucy’s medical troubles weren’t quite over, she had entropion meaning her eyelid had formed inwards and was irritating her eyeball. This would require surgery to correct.
After 108 days Lucy’s owner had found safe, more permanent accommodation and was reunited with their beloved Lucy. Can you imagine the tears of joy that flowed that day? It was a reunion only made possible by kind supporters of RSPCA ACT.
Lucy’s owner brought Lucy back a short time after, for her scheduled entropion surgery.
Ginny and Harry – a wonderful pair of friendly and adorable cats
“It quite literally saved his life. Only with the knowledge that his cats were safe with us was he willing to access urgent mental health treatment.” – case worker.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts or intentions, pets can’t be reunited with their families, and this is where we work very hard to find another suitable loving home for them.
This was the case with Ginny and Harry, who were surrendered to us for rehoming after 90 days in our care.
Their owner was undergoing treatment for a life-threatening mental health crisis, while simultaneously battling serious physical health issues.
During these 90 days, their owner’s physical health issues slowly resolved, and after repeated tests, it was discovered that he was dangerously allergic to cats. And so, the difficult decision to surrender Ginny and Harry was made.
After their surrender, the social worked involved thanked us for providing a safe space for Ginny and Harry while their dad received treatment, stating that it quite literally saved his life. Only with the knowledge that his cats were safe with us was he willing to access urgent mental health treatment.
In cases like this, we measure success not that a family was reunited, but that in a time of crisis, a vulnerable member of our community was able to access help, to heal, and take the time and space to recognise and make the best decision for him, and for his beloved pets. Ginny and Harry have found a new loving home to spend their days,
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Disclaimer: While their stories are true, names and photos have been changes to protect their owners safety and privacy.